BASIC SANITATION IN SMALL COMMUNITIES

Improving the coverage of water supply and sanitation has positive impacts on economic, social and health conditions. In Brazil, the deficit in water supply and sanitation in urban areas has been reduced due to recent government investments, but are still insufficient for the service universalization. Deficiencies in water supply and sanitation are observerd in rural areas of Brazil because, historically, these areas have not received sufficient investment. This paper presents the alternatives adopted in rural communities in Brazil, with at least 2500 inhabitants, being those successful experiences that can be replicated. Research stages involved literature surveys, interviews with experts and with community representatives, and field trips. The interviews and field trips allowed the knowledge of local realities, of appropriate technical solutions, the uptake and levels of community awareness, the operational problems and the management systems frequently applied.